Burmese cuisine is already exciting and innovative by nature, even before arriving at the contemporary San Francisco food scene. In part, that has to do with its central location in-between India and Vietnam. Burma a melting pot of Indian, Thai, Chinese and Cambodian flavors, along with some local twists. The result is, not surprisingly, pretty amazing; everything from cilantro and rice noodles to rich curries and mint finds a place on the menu. Here are some awesome spots in San Francisco for Burmese food.

Burma Superstar

When talking about Burmese food in the Bay Area, this name always pops up. It’s the granddaddy of Burmese in San Francisco, much like how The Slanted Door introduced the city to the potential of Vietnamese gastronomy. However, age isn’t the only reason this place is popular. The food is genuinely worthy of superstar status, guaranteeing long lines on even weekday nights.

It’s not chic, however. That’s something for the newcomers. Instead, Burma Superstar excels at nailing authentic, deep flavors, and making sure there’s plenty of food on the plate. It’s comfort food done perfectly for a fun night out with friends or family. Anything with noodles is highly recommended — like the Bun Tay Kauswer with an intense coconut curry, tender roast chicken, caramelized onions and crunchy cabbage — as well as the super spicy garlic and chili shrimp with jalapeños when available.

Rangoon Ruby

While Rangoon Ruby doesn’t have the same fame as Burma Superstar — nor the long lines, thank goodness — it’s a gorgeous spot that appreciates the artistic side of Burmese cuisine. This is where to take a date for a romantic evening across the ocean. Dark wood and contrasting white tablecloths and columns are equally alluring and mysterious.

The beloved Ruby rainbow salad opens the appetite with its flavors — four different kinds of noodles, fried garlic, crisp cucumbers, cilantro, spicy rice and seared tofu — but also with its color palette. Curving contours of green and red intersect with sharp yellow geometric shapes. Diners should be sure to try if it’s being offered.

Mandalay

This place started out as a tasty alternative to Burma Superstar with less lines. Then it grew in fame, establishing its own reputation, and the lines grew. The short wait is well worth it, however. The first thing one notices is the ambience. The restaurant is packed with exotic decor, making it seem like a palace in Yangon. But what really transports diners to another world are the verdant plants everywhere. It literally feels like dining in a cool jungle somewhere.

The food here is contemporary, with flavors that are clean and crisp, well defined and almost minimalist. Don’t expect the same comfort-food style, but instead to be wowed by interesting layers playing off of each other.

Burmese Kitchen

Of course there has to be a place to go for relative cheap and good Burmese noodles. This is it. It’s pretty tiny as restaurants go, but the flavors are scrumptious and there are lots of vegetarian options like the famous tea leaf salad. The fish with tamarind sauce is a game-changer when on the menu.

San Francisco’s take on Burmese food range from traditional to fusion as one can see in the restaurants suggested above. If you feel a sudden urge to sample Burmese food, the dining spots mentioned above are a good place to start.